Bell Book and Candle is a mildly disappointing romantic comedy in which the parts add up to more than the whole. By that I mean that there is much to like about this film, including an attractive cast, an amazing Siamese cat, and beautiful cinematography by James Wong Howe, but the romance is rather tepid and the comedy is only occasionally amusing. However, the film does have many fans, and they will be thrilled to learn that Twillght Time has delivered another outstanding Blu-ray transfer from the Sony vaults. As with all Twilight Time titles, it is limited to a run of 3,000 copies so those who are interested in getting it should act while it is still available.
Bell Book and Candle
Studio: Twilight Time/Columbia Pictures
Year: 1958
Rated: Not Rated
Program Length: 103 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 1080p
Languages: English 5.1 DTS-HD MA
Subtitles: English SDH
The Program
Bell Book and Candle is a mildly disappointing romantic comedy in which the parts add up to more than the whole. By that I mean that there is much to like about this film, including an attractive cast, an amazing Siamese cat, and beautiful cinematography by James Wong Howe, but the romance is rather tepid and the comedy is only occasionally amusing. However, the film does have many fans, and they will be thrilled to learn that Twillght Time has delivered another outstanding Blu-ray transfer from the Sony vaults. As with all Twilight Time titles, it is limited to a run of 3,000 copies so those who are interested in getting it should act while it is still available.
The film is based upon a 1950 Broadway play written by John Van Druten, which ran for 233 performances. It was adapted for the screen by Daniel Taradash and the film was directed by Richard Quine. The story opens in Manhattan on Christmas Eve. Gillian Holroyd (Kim Novak) is a primitive art dealer who lives in an apartment behind her shop. Shepherd Henderson (James Stewart) is an unmarried book publisher who recently moved into the second floor apartment above the shop. The third floor apartment is occupied by Gillian's Aunt Queenie (Elsa Lanchester). Gillian lives alone with her Siamese, Pyewacket (anyone who is familiar with the 17th-century "witchfinder general" Matthew Hopkins will immediately recognize what the cat's name portends). The shop owner notices Shepherd coming and going and she bemoans the fact that she does not have anyone like him in her life.
On this Christmas Eve Shepherd arrives at home and is surprised to discover Aunt Queenie in his apartment. She explains that his door was open and snow was coming in through his window, so she let herself in to close it. Her story seems a bit fishy (she also has "tidied up" his desk and he has to unlock the apartment door to let himself in), but she is his neighbor and she seems to be harmless enough. He urges her to leave so he can make some phone calls, but before she goes she gazes at his phone and mutters something to herself. When he then tries to make a call, he hears nothing but jibberish on the line. He goes downstairs to Gillian's shop to ask to use her phone, and they introduce themselves for the first time. While using the phone, Shepherd notices that Gillian is reading a book, "Magic in Mexico." Shepherd remarks that he wishes he had published the book, because it became a best-seller. "Well, I can't think why," responds Gillian. "It's completely phony." As Shepherd is getting ready to leave, Aunt Queenie comes in and encourages Gillian to go out for the evening with her to a Greenwich Village nightclub, The Zodiac.
At the club we are introduced to Gillian's brother, Nicky (Jack Lemmon), who plays the bongo drums with the club's combo. Also on hand is Bianca de Passe (Hermione Gingold), an older woman who holds court at the club. As the evening wears on Shepherd, who has been intrigued by what Gillian and Queenie had to say about The Zodiac, shows up with his fiancée, Merle Kittridge (Janice Rule). Gillian recognizes Merle as a former college classmate who caused trouble for her when they lived in the same dormitory at Wellesley. It turns out that The Zodiac is something of a coven, and Gillian, Nicky, Aunt Queenie and Bianca de Passe are all witches. Gillian hatches a plan to use her powers to lure Shepherd away from Merle, the primary complication being that witches do not feel emotions such as love. Shortly thereafter the author of "Magic in Mexico," Sidney Redlitch (Ernie Kovacs), shows up and enlists Nicky's help in researching his forthcoming book about witches in New York.
Kim Novak is the major attraction here. Critics were rarely enamored with her skill as an actor, but she has never looked more stunning. The scene where she casts a spell upon Shepherd while Pyewacket sits in her lap is positively mesmerizing. James Stewart, in his last role as a romantic lead, is his usual laconic self. Jack Lemmon, Janice Rule, Elsa Lanchester and Hermione Gingold all turn in fine supporting performances. The major disappointment to me is that Ernie Kovacs was given so little to do with his role. There likely would have been more truly funny moments in the film if his character had been more fully developed.
As noted, there is some wonderful cinematography in Bell Book and Candle, much of it filmed on location in New York City. One particularly memorable scene is captured when Shepherd and Gillian kiss on the roof of the Flatiron Building and he tosses his hat into the air. A single tracking shot follows the hat as it slowly descends before landing in the street at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway. Notice also should be given to the jazz-infused music soundtrack by George Duning, which is enhanced by the playing of Pete and Conte Candoli. There is an amusing scene where Gillian encourages the combo to blare a jazzed-up version of "Stormy Weather" while surrounding Merle in The Zodiac. And then there is the remarkable performance by the cat, Pyewacket. This cat does much more than sit around, and it would be fascinating to learn how the filmmakers trained him to perform.
Note: Many references, as well as the covers of both the Blu-ray and the earlier DVD, and the movie poster which is reproduced in the accompanying booklet, call the film Bell, Book and Candle, with a comma after "Bell." However, there is no comma in the film's opening title, so I have omitted it.
The Video
The picture quality of this Blu-ray release is outstanding. The transfer is consistently sharp and free of damage, with vibrant colors and numerous evocative shots of Manhattan. The film's grain structure is mostly intact - a direct comparison with the DVD which was issued in 2000 indicates that the Blu-ray has undergone some grain reduction, but it has been done with a light touch and the result is a pleasing, film-like appearance. The 1.85 framing appears to be accurate. This is a substantial upgrade from the 2000 DVD.
The Audio
The lossless 5.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack is excellent, with an emphasis on dialogue and music. The nature of the film does not lend itself to spectacular sound effects, but every word of dialogue is clear and understandable and the music is given a very realistic and satisfying soundstage. Pyewacket's occasional cries caused my cats to sit up and take notice. As is always the case with Twilight Time releases, the film can be viewed accompanied by the isolated score track.
The Supplements
There are more extras than usual for a Twilight Time Blu-ray. In addition to the isolated score track, there are two featurettes of audio interviews with Kim Novak which are accompanied by stills and scenes from her films. The interviews are uncredited but presumably were done at the same time that the interview which appears on the Blu-ray of Pal Joey was done. The first interview, which runs for just under ten minutes, focuses on Bell Book and Candle, with emphasis on her professional relationship and personal friendship with James Stewart. She also comments favorably on director Richard Quine but does not mention that she was reportedly having an affair with him. The second interview, which runs for 15 minutes, covers one of her less-known films, Middle of the Night, which is available on DVD as part of The Kim Novak Collection.
Also included is the original theatrical trailer, which is in very good shape and includes a couple of seductive shots of Kim Novak which do not appear in the film.
The Packaging
Bell Book and Candle comes in a standard Blu-ray keep case. Included is an eight-page color booklet which contains an informative essay by Julie Kirgo, still photos, and a reproduction of an original movie poster.
The Final Analysis
Bell Book and Candle is an interesting film and looks terrific, but it is difficult to shake the feeling that it could have and should been much better. Nevertheless, it boasts a very attractive cast and Kim Novak fans will not want to pass up the opportunity to see her in high definition at the height of her beauty. The isolated film score is a nice extra for fans of George Duning's music.
Equipment used for this review:
Panasonic DMP-BD50 Blu-ray player
Panasonic Viera TC-P46G15 Plasma display, calibrated to THX specifications by Gregg Loewen
Yamaha HTR-5890 THX Surround Receiver
BIC Acoustech speakers
Interconnects: Monster Cable
Release Date: Available Now
